Barrier against crawling arthropods

ABSTRACT

A barrier against arthropods crawling along a surface comprises a soft pliable polymer collar portion adapted for tight and substantially continuous receipt against a surface. A mounting portion secures the collar to the surface and serves to preventing relative motion between the collar and the surface. A generally continuous flared skirt member extends from the collar and is comprised of a soft pliable polymer having a arthropod-deterring ingredient molded therein. The skirt defines an unobstructed access opening opposite the collar. The opening is defined by an end of the generally continuous skirt.

[0001] This application claims priority from U.S. ProvisionalApplication Serial No. 60/140,049, filed Jun. 18, 1999.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention is directed to pest management and moreparticularly to controlling a route of travel of crawling vermin,particularly crawling arthropods (including crawling insects) byinterrupting their route of travel. The present invention provides anecological approach to controlling crawling arthropods. It promotesenvironmentally-sound methods that employ point source (e.g., point ofentry) physical and biological controls versus sole reliance on theatomizing, spraying and broadcasting of chemicals to keep crawling pestpopulations at tolerable levels. The U.S. Government has mandated a 50%reduction in the use of sprayed and broadcasted chemicals by the year2000.

[0003] Crawling insect arthropods can cause serious damage in theagricultural industry as well as in non-agricultural environments.Further, crawling vermin can bite and/or cause the spread of diseaseamong humans and animals. It is important to devise a device and methodfor impeding their route of travel.

[0004] For example, the infestation of crawling insect vermin can causesevere economic loss in citrus and other fruit and nut trees, nurserystock and ornamentals. The red imported fire ants (RIFA) in particularare responsible for damage and death of young citrus trees in the majorU.S. citrus growing regions. RIFA feed on bark and cambium to obtainsap, girdling and often killing trees. Fire ants and other ants alsotend a number of homopteran insects which can act as vectors for plantdiseases. They will also frequently attack beneficial biocontrolorganisms that prey on these homopteran insects. Fire ants have beenknown to frequent citrus groves, destroying young citrus trees anddelaying production of fruit on those trees. With regard to more matureor fruit bearing citrus, RIFA typically build mounds at the base ofthese trees. Although their girdling activities do not kill the tree,they can cause “top die-back” resulting in a 15 to 20 percent yieldloss. Fire ants feeding on blossoms, leaves and fruits have caused up to90 percent yield loss in some areas. Fire ants are aggressive andinflict a painful sting, creating a hazard for persons working on thetrees in the immediate area. In addition, RIFA are known to clogirrigation microjets. They also spread diseases to various citrus treesand fruits.

[0005] Prior methods for controlling RIFA and other crawling vermininclude Reese Wraps which are insulating treewraps that contain a slowrelease packet of Diazinon. This method protects the young tree bykilling any insect that comes into contact with it. However, the expenseof this method is often prohibitive; therefore, Reese Wraps are notwidely used.

[0006] The most prevalent method currently used for large-scale controlof RIFA mounds in producing citrus groves in Florida and Texas is theEPA-registered pesticide Lorsban. This organophosphate insecticide killsexposed foraging ants on contact. Lorsban is dispersed by providing auniform coverage throughout the grove. Although the various methods forapplying Lorsban have reduced the foraging ant activity, thebroadcasting method is contrary to federal mandates to reduce overallproliferation of pesticides in the environment. Random application ofchemicals via spraying and broadcasting methods infiltrate thegroundwater and provide other undesirable effects.

[0007] Another product, Logic, is registered for RIFA control onnon-bearing citrus trees. Like Lorsban, Logic is applied by thebroadcasting method. This product is an insect growth regulator, actingprimarily on the ant queen. The method is very expensive.

[0008] In addition to RIFA and other types of ants, other crawlinginsects produce problems in groves. These include, but are not limited,to eastern Lubber grasshopper, Asian cockroaches, Gypsy Moths andothers, including scales, pests, spider mites, aphids, ants, thrips andcutworms.

[0009] Many of the prior art techniques for addressing crawlingarthropods are not only expensive but the products must be readdressedand reapplied quite frequently. There is a need in the industry fordeveloping a means or device for interrupting a route of travel ofcrawling insect arthropods and other crawling pests at point source orpoint of entry that is simple to use, uncomplicated, long lasting andrelatively inexpensive. It is further desirable that such device be ableto control crawling vermin on a steady, non-haphazard basis.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] In accordance with the present invention there is provided anovel barrier against arthropods or other vermin crawling along asurface.

[0011] In accordance with a more limited aspect of the invention, adevice for interrupting a route of travel of crawling arthropods iscomprised of a soft pliable polymer, or other acceptable pliablematerial, collar portion adapted for receipt about a surface. A mountingportion secures the collar portion to the surface and prevents relativemotion between the collar and the surface. A substantially continuousflared skirt portion extends from the collar portion and comprises asoft pliable polymer, or other acceptable pliable material, having anarthropod-deterring ingredient molded therein. Alternatively, thearthropod deterring ingredient can be applied to a surface of the skirtportion or to a removable disk or cartridge adapted for insertionbeneath the skirt portion. The skirt defines an unobstructed accessopening opposite the collar. The opening is defined by an end of thesubstantially continuous skirt.

[0012] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a softpliable polymer (or other soft, pliable or rigid material) band has aarthropod-deterring ingredient molded therein. The band is adapted fortight and substantially continuous receipt about a surface. A mountingportion secures the band to the surface and prevents relative motionbetween the band and the surface. The band is fixed in place by afastener.

[0013] In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention, a devicefor protecting a botanical axis from crawling arthropods comprises asoft pliable collar portion adapted for receipt about the botanicalaxis. A flared skirt portion extends from the collar. The skirt portionis comprised of a soft pliable material having an arthropod-deterringingredient disposed or molded therein. An unobstructed access opening isdefined by an end of the flared skirt opposite the collar.

[0014] In accordance with still another aspect of the invention, thereis provided a method for interrupting a route of travel of crawlingarthropods along a slender object. A soft pliable polymer is provided,with a flared skirt extending therefrom. An arthropod-deterringingredient is molded in the skirt. The collar is wrapped about an outerperimeter of the slender object and fastened into place. An open end ofthe skirt is directed toward the source of the crawling arthropods. Avapor head, which creates a deterring atmosphere, is produced within thespace defined by the skirt and deters and interrupts the crawlingarthropods' route of travel.

[0015] A principal advantage of the invention is that only a minimumamount of the arthropod-deterring ingredient, which is preferablyimpregnated into (or in the alternative applied to) an expandable softpolymeric material from which at least the skirt portion is molded, isrequired.

[0016] Another advantage of the invention is the ability for theprotective barrier against insects to conform to the outer configurationof a given surface. The device can be molded and shaped for variouspreferred sizes and virtually any shape—round, square, rectangular,angular, or a combination of shapes.

[0017] Yet another advantage of the invention resides in the ability ofthe device to stretch when applied to a structure to make the fit secureand snug and to firmly hold the device in place. The stretchability alsoallows for stretchability during growth of a botanical axis.

[0018] Another advantage of the invention resides in the ability of endsof the collar portion to overlap to allow for fit adjustment and growthof an underlying botanical axis.

[0019] Yet another advantage of the invention resides in the device'sdurability and usefulness in all weather conditions without dissipationof the active material. The active ingredient dissipates on a slowrelease basis regardless of the weather.

[0020] Yet another advantage of the present invention is its ability todeter crawling insects and impede their route of travel. The device isnon-directional and can be applied to any surface in any direction (e.g.upward, downward, horizontally, diagonally). Furthermore, it is portablecan be moved from structure to structure, place to place withoutdestroying or interrupting the effect of the active ingredient.

[0021] The barrier of the present invention is long lasting, andprovides an economical alternative to prior art methods for controllingcrawling insect arthropod in specific areas at pont source (not flyinginsects). The device can be applied in the agricultural area for use ona variety of botanical axes such as on trees, limbs, branches, and othergrowing plants and shrubs. It can also be used to prevent arthropodsfrom crawling into homes, onto shelving, boats, and virtually along anysurface which provides a route of travel for crawling pests. The barrieris designed so that humans face minimal contact with thearthropod-deterring ingredient, be it a pesticide, insecticide,repellant, or natural substance. Preferably, the arthropod-deterringmaterial is safe if humans come into contact with it. Is also safe foruse in agriculture. A cover or vinyl shield can be employed.

[0022] Still other advantages and benefits of the invention will becomeapparent to those skilled in the art upon reading and understanding ofthe following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] The invention may take physical form in certain parts andarrangements of parts, a preferred embodiment which will be described indetail in the specification and illustrated in the accompanying drawingswhich form a part hereof.

[0024]FIG. 1 shows a crawling arthropod-deterring device in its relaxed,open position prior to installation about an elongated structure.

[0025]FIG. 2 depicts the arthropod-deterring device of FIG. 1 in itsinstalled position about a structure.

[0026]FIG. 3 set forth a broken away segment of a collar portion of abarrier of FIG. 1 showing notches or grooves on an inner surfacethereof.

[0027]FIG. 4 displays an alternative embodiment of a crawling arthropodbarrier configured for receipt around the surface of a structure, thebarrier shown in its opened position;

[0028]FIG. 5 shows the barrier of FIG. 4 in its closed position;

[0029]FIG. 6 discloses a barrier band in its opened position;

[0030]FIG. 7 shows the barrier band of FIG. 6 in its closed positionabout a tree surface;

[0031]FIG. 8 is directed to an alternative embodiment arthropod barrieradapted for receipt along any surface; and

[0032]FIG. 9 is a side view of the arthropod barrier of FIG. 8.

[0033]FIG. 10 is a portion of a barrier device showing a cover, brokenaway in part.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0034] Referring now to the drawings wherein the showings are forpurposes of illustrating the preferred embodiment of the invention onlyand not for purposes of limiting same, the FIGURES show a barrieragainst arthropods crawling along a surface.

[0035] Directing attention first to FIG. 1, a device 10 for interruptinga route of travel of crawling arthropods is shown. The device comprisesa collar portion 14 and a flared skirt or trumpet portion 18. A mountingportion 22 extends from a first end 24 of the collar portion. Themounting portion is adapted to overlap with a second end 26 of thecollar portion when the device is installed over an elongated object. Itis, however, within the scope of the invention for the mounting portionto simply abut with the second end of the collar portion, or to besituated closely proximate the second end. The skirt portion 18 ispreferably molded integrally with the collar portion. It is fully withinthe scope of this invention, however, that the skirt portion can bemanufactured separately from the collar portion from the same ordifferent materials.

[0036] Preferably, the collar portion and skirt portion are comprised ofa soft, pliable polymer having a crawling arthropod-deterring ingredientmolded therein. However, any suitable pliable material can be used.

[0037] The soft-pliable polymer, preferably a soft polyvinyl material,is desirable for its pliability. Other acceptable polymeric materialscan be used as well. The soft polymer can conform to the shape of theunderlying structure which it is protecting, be it a tree, branch, orother botanical axis, a table leg, a cable conduit, or even a flat orirregular surface when the barrier is conformed in such a configuration.An insecticide, pesticide, repellant or other arthropod-deterringingredient is molded directly in the polyvinyl material to provide aconstant time release emission of vapor from the ingredient. The levelof pesticide, insecticide, repellant or other arthropod-deterringingredient contained in the polymer is sufficiently low and there is nomore than minimal contact with human skin such as during installation,removal, adjustments, or the like. However, there is sufficient amountof insecticide within the material to cause an instantaneous repellingor even destruction of the crawling vermin with which it comes incontact. Furthermore, a vapor head produced by the active material issignificant enough to deter or repel many crawling arthropods.

[0038] As will be more fully discussed below, the barrier can include aplastic outer layer or cover to eliminate contact of the active materialwith humans. The plastic outer layer or shell would possibly bepreferred by homeowners, while professional or commercial users may beless inclined to opt for the shield. Under some circumstances, users canopt for a barrier that does not have the outer cover. The cover can berigid or pliable, but does not contain any active ingredients (nopesticides or other arthropod repellants).

[0039] The barrier provides for a point-source (point of entry)protective barrier in the form of a polyvinyl collar or shield which isimpregnated with a synthetic or natural pyrethroid, pesticide orrepellant. One example of a pesticide that can be used is theslow-release synthetic pesticide known as permethrin. This is thepreferred embodiment. The pesticides or repellants useful in the barrierare in no way limited to permethrin. Permethrin is useful in thisapplication because of its long history of demonstrated safety in pestmanagement. Other useful pyrethroids, pesticides, insecticides, or otheractive arthropod deterring ingredients can be used.

[0040] The barrier is made to be adjustable and effective for a longduration. This enables a single collar/skirt barrier to be used for asubstantial amount of time precluding the need to remove, reinstalland/or replace the device on a seasonal basis. The barrier is adjustableto allow for trunk growth in the event it is used on trees. If thebarrier is properly placed near the base of a tree or shrub, itcompletely excludes crawling insects at point-source. The activeingredient affects only the target insect coming into contact with theguard. Furthermore, because the insecticide (e.g., permethrin) isimpregnated in the soft polyvinyl embodiment of the device, there is aminimal exposure of the pesticide to the soil, tree or shrub, beneficialinsects, and the persons handling the device.

[0041] The collar portion of the device fits tightly around an elongatedstructure 28 as shown in FIG. 2. The underlying structure need not bespecifically elongated as it can be short, squat, or flat. The device isdesigned to fit about an outer perimeter of a structure, regardless ofthe perimeter's shape, size, or axial or radial irregularity. Theunderlying structure can be a tree, leg, pole, pillar, botanical axis,rope, shaft, or virtually any slender object where arthropods crawl. Inthe case of a surface or tree, the device is generally installed alongthe base of the tree or other structure, preferably one to two inchesabove the ground level. This is evident in FIG. 2. Of course, it can beplaced anywhere along the length of the underlying structure.

[0042] With attention still focused on FIG. 2, it will be noted that themounting portion 22 has overlapped with a second end 26 of the collarportion 14. It is within the scope of the invention that the mountingportion simply abut or be closely proximate the second end of the collarportion. The skirt portion has likewise become substantially continuous,although in some instances it is foreseeable that the skirt will beslightly split at the seam segment 30. A fastener element fixes thecollar securely to the structure 28. The fastener may comprise hook andloop type fasteners which may be mounted on the underside of themounting portion and on the second end of the collar. Other fastenersmay include snaps or buttons. Preferably, a fastener may include aclamp, such as a spring or C-clamp shown at 34 in FIG. 2. The C-clampwith spring action closes tightly around the collar portion after it hasbeen wrapped about the structure 28. It is also foreseeable to use aplastic tie band, or even wire or other fastening or adhering device forholding the barrier in place.

[0043] As stated, an arthropod-deterring ingredient is preferably moldedinto the soft polyvinyl material from which the barrier is molded. It isalso foreseeable that the arthropod-deterring ingredient is layered onthe underside of the skirt or otherwise inserted via a cartridge orsimilar appliance beneath the skirt. Forseeably, the active ingredientcan be molded in a disk that is inserted beneath the skirt. In anyevent, the active or arthropod-deterring ingredient develops a vaporhead within the space 36 defined by the skirt interior to deter crawlingarthropods from continuing on their route of travel. The open end of theskirt is opposite the collar and directed toward a point source 38 fromwhich arthropods crawl. As the arthropods reach the barrier device, thevapor head developed by the active ingredient kills, repels, orotherwise deters the crawling arthropod from continuing along its path.

[0044]FIG. 3 shows a portion of the collar portion broken away to showthe interior wall 40 thereof. As will be noted, notches or ridges 44 aremolded into the underside of the collar to produce a friction fitbetween the underlying structure 28 (see FIG. 2) and the collar. Thenotches are not necessary but do provide additional secure fit of thedevice on the elongated structure.

[0045]FIGS. 4 and 5 show alternative embodiment of the presentinvention. As will be noted, the collar and skirt portion can be variedfrom the open position (FIG. 4) to the closed position (FIG. 5) byemploying various known or state of the art fasteners such as, by way ofexample, button closures 48 which fit in through mating openings 52situated opposite therefrom. Several buttons and openings are shown toaccommodate for size of the underlying surface. Virtually any othermeans for closing the collar and skirt 54 upon itself can be used,including clasps, hook and loop type fasteners (Velcro®), snaps,adhesives, zippers, tape, staples, or any other means useful foradhering or joining the two ends together. An end 55 of the skirt whichopposes the collar 53 defines an access opening into the bell regiondefined by the skirt. Insects or other vermin which crawl along theground 58 and up a surface of a tree 62 will be repelled or possiblyeven killed by a vapor head which arises within the region defined bythe skirt.

[0046] Turning now to FIG. 6, an other alternative embodiment barrier isshown. FIG. 7 shows the barrier of FIG. 6 in closed position about atree trunk. Like the barrier shown in FIG. 4, the barrier of FIGS. 6 and7 can be fastened using fasteners such as, for example, buttons 48designed for joining with opposing holes 52. The multiple buttons andholes allow for an adjustable fit about the base of a trunk as the treegrows. A similar type of collar or shield can be employed on a varietyof other structures including table legs, conduit, boat cable, etc., orany structure that could act as a path for crawling insects. As crawlingvermin insects crawl along a given structure (shown in FIG. 7 as atree), they must come into contact with the band, shield or collar 53.The band, shield or collar 53 is comprised of a soft polymeric material,preferably a polyvinyl material, having an insecticide impregnatedtherein. As the crawling pest comes into contact with the collar, theinsecticide either repels or even kills the crawling arthropod, therebyinterrupting the route of travel of the crawling arthropod.

[0047] With attention at FIGS. 8 and 9, another alternative embodimentof a barrier for interrupting a route of travel of arthropod isdisclosed. The barrier comprises a collar portion 70 and skirt portion74. Both the collar and skirt are comprised of a soft polymeric or otherpliable material with an insecticide impregnated therein during themolding operation. It is fully foreseeable that only the skirt portionbe impregnated with the insecticide. The active ingredient can also beinserted on a surface of the skirt or via a removable cartridge. Thebarrier of FIGS. 8 and 9 is continuous and can be trimmed to provide acontinuous fit along any surface along which arthropod crawl. FIGS. 8and 9 show by way of example the barrier to be fixed or attached to aflat surface or wall 78 using a fastening device 82 for means ofattaching one surface to another. Of course it is fully within the scopeof the present invention that the collar portion can be fixed to thesurface by any practicable means including nails, staples, glue, tape,hooks, or any other fastener or adhering method known to those skilledin the art for joining two physical elements. The material from whichthe barrier is made is pliable. Therefore, the barrier can conform to anirregular shaped surface and can travel around corners or be trimmed tofit a particular configuration. A vapor barrier is present in the space83 between the wall or surface 78 and the skirt 84. A pest crawling intothis opening between the skirt and wall would encounter a vapor headbarrier caused by the insecticide which would either kill or repel thepest downward and thereby impede its route of travel along the wall 78.Even if debris and dust accumulate on the skirt of FIGS. 8 and 9, oreven on the skirt of FIGS. 1-5, the internal surface of the skirtremains clean and the pesticide or pest-repelling ingredient molded inthe barrier remains active.

[0048] It is fully foreseeable that a strip of molded material with aninsecticide molded therein be affixed to a surface without the need of askirt. For example, a skirt may not be needed in closed or enclosedenvironments. In such an instance, a arthropod crawling upward along asurface would be killed or repelled based on the insecticide in thepolyvinyl material which comprises the strip.

[0049] The barrier of the present invention, in its various embodiments,may be used in residential or commercial applications, indoors oroutdoors. It is useful in kitchen environments, hospitals, in treegroves, and virtually anywhere that crawling insects or arthropods needto be stopped or deterred.

[0050] Any of the above-described barrier embodiments, or thosecontemplated by this invention, may include a cover 90. This is shown byway of example in FIG. 10. The cover is made of an inert material suchas vinyl or other plastic. There is no pesticide impregnated in thecover, although it is possible that natural pest deterring ingredientssafe for human handling (e.g. such as cayenne pepper or even petroleumjelly) could be included in or on the cover. The cover can conform tothe outer shape of the barrier, or it may be spaced from the barrier,such as by way of example, in the form of an awning or umbrella over thebarrier. Preferably, the barrier is form fit to the cover, but it couldbe mounted with fasteners or adhesives or other means. The cover servesto reduce or eliminate human contact with the active barrier material.It also acts as a protection against weather and debris. The cover, or acover in an alternative configuration, could be used on any of theembodiments described herein or on embodiments contemplated by thisinvention. With regard to those embodiments that disclose a skirt, thebarrier would preferably extend below the lip of the cover such that itis exposed in certain situations.

[0051] The invention has been described with reference to the preferredembodiment. Obviously modifications and alterations will occur to othersupon a reading and understanding of this specification. It is intendedto include all such modifications and alterations in so far as they comewithin the scope of the appended claims or the equivalent thereof.

I claim:
 1. A device for interrupting a route of travel of crawlingarthropods, comprising: a soft pliable collar portion adapted forreceipt about a surface; a mounting portion for securing the collarportion to the surface and preventing relative motion between the collarand the surface; and a substantially continuous flared skirt portionextending from the collar portion and comprised of a soft pliablematerial and including an arthropod-deterring ingredient molded therein,the skirt defining an unobstructed access opening opposite the collar,said opening defined by an end of the substantially continuous skirt. 2.The device of claim 1 wherein the soft pliable polymer from which thecollar and skirt are molded is a polyvinyl material.
 3. The device ofclaim 2 wherein a slow release synthetic pyrethroid is molded in thepolyvinyl material.
 4. The device of claim 3 wherein the slow releasesynthetic pyrethroid is permethrin or other arthropod deterringingredient.
 5. The device of claim 1 wherein a vapor head is created inan area defined by the skirt.
 6. The device of claim 1 further includinga fastener for securing the collar against the surface of the elongatedstructure received axially therethrough.
 7. The device of claim 1wherein the polymer collar is adapted for continuous receipt about thesurface.
 8. The device of claim 1 wherein the flared skirt extends froman end of the collar portion.
 9. The device of claim 1 wherein thecollar is integral with the flared skirt.
 10. The device of claim 1wherein the collar portion includes a arthropod-deterring ingredientmolded therein.
 11. A barrier against arthropod crawling along asurface, the barrier comprising: a soft pliable band having anarthropod-deterring ingredient molded therein, the band adapted fortight and substantially continuous receipt about the surface; a mountingportion for securing the band to the surface and preventing relativemotion between the band and the surface; and a fastener for fixing theband to the surface.
 12. The barrier of claim 7 wherein the soft pliableband is comprised of a soft polymeric material.
 13. The barrier of claim7 wherein the arthropod- deterring ingredient is a slow releasesynthetic pyrethroid.
 14. The barrier of claim 13 wherein the slowrelease synthetic pyrethroid is permethrin.
 15. The barrier of claim 7further including a generally continuous flared skirt member extendingfrom the band and comprised of a soft pliable material having aarthropod-deterring ingredient molded therein, the skirt defining anunobstructed access opening opposite the band, said opening defined byan end of the generally continuous skirt.
 16. The barrier of claim 15wherein a vapor head is created in an area defined by the skirt forimpeding a route of travel of crawling arthropod.
 17. A device forprotecting a botanical axis from crawling arthropods, comprising: a softpliable polymer collar portion adapted for receipt about a botanicalaxis; and a flared skirt portion extending from the collar and comprisedof a soft pliable polymer having a arthropod-deterring ingredient moldedtherein, the skirt defining an unobstructed access opening opposite thecollar, said opening defined by an end of the flared skirt.
 18. Thedevice of claim 17, further comprising a mounting portion for securingthe collar to the surface of the botanical axis and for preventingrelative motion between the device and the botanical axis.
 19. Thedevice of claim 18 further including a fastener for securing the collarportion about the surface of the botanical axis.
 20. The device of claim17 wherein the collar and skirt portions are molded from a polyvinylmaterial in which is molded a slow release synthetic pyrethroid.
 21. Thedevice of claim 20 wherein the slow release synthetic pyrethroid ispermethrin.
 22. The device of claim 17 wherein a vapor head is createdin an area defined by the skirt to deter crawling arthropods.
 23. Thedevice of claim 17 wherein the polymer collar is adapted to providesubstantially continuous receipt about the botanical axis.
 24. Thedevice of claim 17 wherein the polymer collar is comprised of a flexiblepolymer expandable to allow for botanical axis growth.
 25. The device ofclaim 17 wherein the flared skirt is substantially continuous about thesurface.
 26. The device of claim 17 wherein the flared skirt extendsfrom an end of the collar portion.
 27. The device of claim 17 whereinthe collar is integral with the flared skirt.
 28. The device of claim 17wherein the collar portion includes a arthropod-deterring ingredientmolded therein.
 29. A method for interrupting a route of travel ofcrawling arthropods along a slender object comprising the steps of:providing a soft pliable polymer collar; extending a flared skirt fromthe collar, the skirt including an arthropod-deterring ingredient moldedtherein; wrapping the collar having first and second ends about an outerperimeter of the slender object; fastening the collar in place;directing an open end of the skirt toward a source of crawlingarthropods; producing a vapor head within a space defined by the skirt;and interrupting the route of travel of crawling arthropods along theslender object.
 30. The method of claim 29, wherein the slender objectcomprises a botanical axis.
 31. The method of claim 29, including theadditional step of varying an inner periphery of the collar commensuratewith an ambit of the slender object.
 32. The method of claim 31,comprising the step of stretching the polymer to vary the innerperiphery.
 33. The method of claim 31, wherein the inner periphery isvaried by molding.
 34. The method of claim 29, including the additionalstep of contacting a first end of the collar with a second end of thecollar to securely fix the collar to the slender object.
 35. The methodof claim 31 wherein the inner periphery is varied by adjusting thecontact of the first end of the collar with the second end of thecollar.
 36. A method for protecting a botanical axis from crawlingarthropods, comprising the steps of: providing a soft pliable polymercollar having emerging in a trumpet portion, said collar and trumpetportion including a arthropod-deterring component molded therein;positioning the collar about an outer perimeter of the botanical axis toform a continuous collar and at least a substantially continuous trumpetportion; directing an open end of the trumpet portion toward a source ofcrawling arthropods; producing a vapor head within a space defined bythe trumpet portion; and interrupting a route of travel of crawlingarthropods along the botanical axis.
 37. A device for interrupting aroute of travel of crawling arthropods, comprising: a soft pliablecollar adapted for receipt along a surface; a mounting portion forsecuring the collar portion to the surface and preventing relativemotion between the collar and the surface; and a substantiallycontinuous flared skirt portion extending from the collar portion andholding an arthropod-deterring ingredient, the skirt defining anunobstructed access opening opposite the collar defined by an end of thesubstantially continuous skirt.
 38. The device of claim 37 wherein theskirt portion is comprised of a pliable material.
 39. The device ofclaim 37 wherein the skirt portion is comprised of a pliable materialinto which an active arthropod-deterring ingredient is molded.
 40. Thedevice of claim 37 wherein the arthropod-deterring ingredient is held ina disk or cartridge inserted beneath the skirt.
 41. The device of claim37 wherein the arthropod-deterring ingredient is applied to a surface ofthe skirt portion.